Three Years

nineteen

Kirstin sighed as she flopped down dramatically on her bed. Avi took Sierra out for a walk to the park, leaving her behind with the puppy - who they had given the name Olaf to - and her thoughts. 

Did she just kiss Avi because she was very happy? No, even though she didn't like to admit it, she knew that she wanted to kiss him for a very long time. 

But what did this mean for them? Would they get back together? Kirstin was sure that Sierra would love that, seeing as they basically acted like a couple already. 

Her chain of thoughts were quickly interrupted by her phone vibrating on the table next to her. The screen flashed Kevin's name and she quickly picked it up. He was just the person she needed to talk to right now.

"Kirstie, happy birthday!" Kevin's cheerful voice rang through the phone. "Alyssa also sends her regards."

"Thanks, Kev, you have no idea how happy I am to hear your voice. I really need your wise advice right now," Kirstin sprung up from her sitting position and started to pace around the room. "I'm just going to come out and say it. I kissed Avi." There was a long and uncomfortable moment of silence before Kevin spoke - well, actually screamed - again.

"THAT'S AMAZING! OH MY WORD, I'M SO HAPPY FOR THE TWO OF YOU, I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TWO TO GET BACK TOGETHER SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME!" Kevin's screaming was so loud that his words rang in her ears and caused her to the hold the phone away from her. He was acting like a teenager who just got told that they got tickets to see their favourite band.

"Kevin, I never said we got back together, I just said that we kissed," she said, rolling her eyes even though Kevin couldn't see it. 

Kirstin could already hear the disappointment dripping in Kevin's voice. "But why aren't you together? Your feelings for him have clearly returned since you kissed him. I don't see what's stopping you from being a couple again. Your daughter would certainly appreciate that."

"That's my point, literally nothing is stopping me except myself!" Kirstin exclaimed, flopping down on her bed again. She truly was melodramatic. She took a deep breath before speaking again in a more gentle tone, "I really want to be with Avi, I really really do, but I'm terrified of getting my heartbroken again.

"Kirst, Avi told you reason why he did it, right?" 

Kirstin nodded but then realised Kevin couldn't see her, so she replied with a simple, "Yes."

"So? Then he obviously won't do it again and he's proved to you countless times that he loves you. I truly think that you should tell him how you feel once and for all, before he moves on and finds someone else." Kirstin's heart stopped at the thought of Avi being with another woman, it actually made her sick to her stomach. "You don't like the thought of Avi with someone else, do you? That just proves that you truly love him too."

"Kevin Oluwole Olusola, you're a genius," Kirstin laughed.

"Thank you. Now go and get the man of your dreams. I don't want you to call me unless you and Avi are dating again," Kevin said with a chuckle before ending the phone call. Kirstin immediately hopped off the bed, grabbed her keys and Olaf before making her way to the park. 

***

"Daddy! Look at the pretty ducks!" Sierra cried out. She chased after them which ended up scaring them away. "Why won't they be my friend, Daddy?" She pouted, her bottom lip trembling. Avi lifted the small girl up and sat her upon his shoulders which caused her to squeal with delight.

"Those aren't the nice ducks, you wouldn't want to be their friend anyway," Avi said and it immediately cheered Sierra up. "Do you want to get some ice-cream, my love?" 

They had already gotten their ice-cream and walked back to the park by the time Kirstin had arrived. "Look, Daddy, Mummy came! And she brought Olaf with her." Avi turned his head to see a gorgeous Kirstin fast approaching with Olaf in her arms. His throat became dry and his palms sweaty, he had no idea how to act around her after their kiss. Would she kiss him again, or would she just push him away? Once Kirstin gave him a warm smile, he knew that things were okay between them so he returned it.

"I hope it's not too late to join the party," Kirstin joked as she took a seat next to Avi on the soft, damp grass. "Is that mint chocolate ice-cream?" She asked, pointing towards the cone in his right hand. Avi gave a swift nod in response. "Mind if I have some?" 

It was if the cat had caught his tongue because all he managed to do was nod again. Kirstie's hand brushed against his as she accepted the cone from him, causing electric shocks to flow through both their bodies. Her tongue glided over the smooth, creamy dessert and Avi found it way more sexual than it needed to be. He would be mortified if anyone found out the things that he thinks about.

"Daddy, why do you look at Mummy like that?" Sierra asked innocently, taking a lick of her own ice-cream. 

"What do you mean, angel?" Avi asked, suddenly feeling hot under the collar. 

"You look at her like she's chocolate," Sierra stated, like it was a simple thing to understand. "You look at Mummy like she's the best thing in the world." Avi gazed over and Kirstin and used one of his arms to pull her closer in his embrace.

"Well sweetie, that's because she is the best thing in the world to me."